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Eritrean Smuggler Trial Begins Amid Identity Dispute

11/3/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The Netherlands began the trial of Tewelde Goitom, an Eritrean accused of running a migrant smuggling network.
Prosecutors allege he extorted money from families of East African migrants trapped in Libya.
Goitom, extradited from Ethiopia in 2022, says he is a victim of mistaken identity.
Prosecutors say crimes occurred in the Netherlands, giving the court jurisdiction, while Kidane Zekarias Habtemariam is expected to be extradited from the United Arab Emirates.

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Story summary

The Netherlands began the trial of Tewelde Goitom, an Eritrean accused of running a migrant smuggling network.
Prosecutors allege he extorted money from families of East African migrants trapped in Libya.
Goitom, extradited from Ethiopia in 2022, says he is a victim of mistaken identity.
Prosecutors say crimes occurred in the Netherlands, giving the court jurisdiction, while Kidane Zekarias Habtemariam is expected to be extradited from the United Arab Emirates.